By Raquel
As the title conveys, my road to STRAB – and the reality is it has been a short one, which is all coming to an end tomorrow!
Having been in Nelspruit for just over a decade now, and for as long as I’ve been here I’ve heard about this mysterious blues festival on the beach in Mozambique. And for just as long I have wanted to attend. Now it’s my time and I’m excited and nervous. Especially since I haven’t been to a music festival since Up The Creek 2010, before the birth of my first child.
So I’m stoked.
After a squizz through the lineup, I realize I’m getting old, but do manage to recognize a name or 2 (or 5). I have a soft spot for blues, but I keep it under tight wraps, in an attempt to keep my melancholic side in check. I’m chuffed to see the likes of a couple of acoustic/African type bands, particularly looking forward to Mr Cat & The Jackal (being a percussionist who loves anything that makes a sound) I’m curious to see what they do. Scicoustic also sounds very appealing as well as Mean Black Mamba and El Cantante. Having Spanish and Portuguese in my genes a Latino flavour always gets me grooving.
(Photo: Marley/Small Town Music)
Then all the old favourites like Piet Botha, Akkedis (crazy yet brilliant muso brothers), Southern Gypsey Queen, Lyzyrd Kings, The Fake Leather Blues Band, (which I only saw for the first time at Blue Moon’s Last Waltz and already they’re a favourite) Albert Frost, Dan “the man” Patlansky and The Black Cat Bones.
Admittedly when I first saw The Black Cat Bones I wanted to run for the hills. Loud and proud, in your face, dirty and soulful blues baby, a bit scary from time to time (depending on what Kobus is donning) but as I’ve watched over the years I’ve come to appreciate and love their music as much as their performance. (I still enjoy their acoustic set). As for Dan Patlansky, who can’t appreciate a musician of that calibre pouring his heart and soul through those strings for the benefit of your audio pleasure? Enough said.
(Photo: Marley/Small Town Music)
I find myself a bit anxious about the ‘protocol’ of attending a festival in a neighbouring country, I’ve got my passport what more do I need? A whole lot still..! I’m lucky that I’m going with some old-time STRABers, so I know I’m in good hands.
As far as the acts, I’m not sure what time of day they start and if there is only one stage…? I’m sure ill have enough time to take some lazy walks on the beach or lie in the sun reading a good book for a few hours. Hmmm, I wonder if I’ve outgrown festivals with all this talk..! Isn’t that what it’s about though? Having an R&R on the beach and reminiscing of days gone by?
Well I guess only time will tell.
